The 2008 presidential candidates met in Iowa at the LIVESTRONG Cancer Forum to discuss their plans to improve the American healthcare system. In the discussion, Sen. John Edwards took a swing at Hilary Clinton for accepting campaign contributions from health insurers and pharmaceutical companies. From Kaiser:
He … criticized Clinton for her acceptance of campaign contributions from health insurers and pharmaceutical companies … According to Edwards, health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists “killed the health care reform” Clinton proposed in the 1990s. Clinton said that her acceptance of campaign contributions from health insurers and pharmaceutical companies has not prevented her promotion of proposals to expand health insurance and revise prescription drug regulations … She said, “My record shows I’ve been very effective,” adding, “I believe in working with everybody and being influenced by nobody”…
Working with everybody and being influenced by nobody?? If you believe that one, I have a bridge over the San Antonio Riverwalk I’d like to sell you.
More coverage of the event at BlogHer.
Exactly, but when you really think about it, every major candidate is in the same boat. Money corrupts the system. We are left with politicians that are in someone’s pocket and that pulls their strings. That’s why there are no realistic auto mileage standards and why we have no energy program. In these times, not to have these essential programs? You have to ask yourself why.